Denver — REGO Restaurant Group, a leading fast-casual restaurant platform, has named Neel Patel as chief executive officer to lead Quiznos, the quick-service sandwich chain, and Taco del Mar, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in coastal Mexican cuisine. He joins the group from Church’s Texas Chicken. Previously, Patel served as senior vice president, strategy & growth at Church’s Texas Chicken. He brings a wealth of experience in business transformation, growth strategy and commercial excellence, positioning him to drive the brands’ continued expansion and innovation. “Both Quiznos and Taco del Mar …
Katie Lee
New York City — Foot Locker, Inc. has named Franklin R. Bracken, currently its executive vice president and chief commercial officer, to the role of president, effective immediately. Bracken will continue reporting to Mary Dillon, Foot Locker, Inc.’s chief executive officer. In his new role, Bracken will work alongside Dillon to accelerate the execution of the Lace Up Plan, the company’s strategy to elevate the omni-retail experience, enhance productivity and create long term shareholder value. Bracken will also continue to oversee global retail operations, merchandising, marketing, digital, loyalty and real …
Dallas — Nearly 20 years after cementing a spot in pop culture history thanks to a beloved group of employees at a fictitious Pennsylvania paper company, Chili’s® Grill & Bar is opening its doors to the Chili’s “Scranton Branch” on April 7. The brand-new, permanent restaurant will pay homage to some of Chili’s most notable on-screen moments, with throwback nods and decor, in addition to being the only Chili’s location to include the fan-favorite Awesome Blossom® on menus. “For decades, Chili’s has inserted itself in culture — introducing the now-famous …
— By Katie Lee — Krystal sets the stage for new growth by focusing on fundamentals: people, processes and prototypes. Atlanta-based Krystal, the second-oldest fast-food chain in the U.S. — and the original home of the slider in the South — is forging a comeback. As it modernizes with new store layouts, technologies and processes, the heritage QSR brand also honors its 92-year history by embracing its roots and prioritizing “good old-fashioned hospitality” and people-first strategies. Leading this brand reinvention is Amanda Hyde, who was promoted to senior vice president …
Atlanta — NCR Voyix Corporation, a leading global provider of digital commerce solutions, has appointed Nick East as its new chief product officer, effective immediately. In this key executive leadership position, East will oversee product innovation and marketing across the company’s broad technology product portfolio. “Nick’s achievements in driving innovation uniquely position him to lead our product team as we focus on delivering leading products and features to meet our customers’ needs,” says Jim Kelly, NCR Voyix’s chief executive officer. “Nick has the right experience to ensure product remains at …
Chesapeake, Va., and New York City — Dollar Tree Inc. has agreed to sell the Family Dollar business segment to Brigade Capital Management LP and Macellum Capital Management LLC for $1 billion. The sales price represents a fraction of the $8.5 billion that Dollar Tree paid for the discount brand in 2015. Family Dollar will remain headquartered in Chesapeake, Va. Family Dollar, which caters to low-income customers with its roughly 8,000 U.S. stores, has struggled in recent years. In March 2024, Dollar Tree unveiled plans to close approximately 970 underperforming …
St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, has appointed Paul Carbone as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Carbone previously served as chief financial officer for the company and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in January 2025. “Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past 2 years — coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry — demonstrate that he has …
Murray, Utah — Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY and Overstock, has agreed to sell its Zulily brand to Lyons Trading Company, the operator of leading online off-price retailer Proozy.com. Beyond will receive $5 million while maintaining a 25% stake in the brand. “We have made significant progress in improving the performance of Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com through sequential margin improvement, improved site experience, vendor consolidation and right-sizing our fixed expenses. With the recent acquisition of buybuy Baby, we want our team laser focused …
Chicago — After a record year of growth, Cilantro Taco Grill is set to open outside Chicagoland for the first time in April 2025, a significant milestone following the brand’s first franchise opening in November. The nation’s fastest-growing authentic Mexican fast-casual franchise secured six franchise agreements in 2024, bringing 110 units into development in its first full year of franchising. “As we continue to expand into new communities, it’s fulfilling to know more guests will taste the authentic flavors of Jalisco and the love my family has put into the …
Secaucus, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe®, a leading omnichannel specialty retailer of nutritional products, is strengthening its brand partnerships while redefining the in-store shopping experience in select markets with the launch of its new ‘Hometown Stores’ concept. These retail collaborations pair a local The Vitamin Shoppe store with a top partner brand that has its company headquarters and deep roots in the same metro area — creating a one-of-a-kind destination for brand enthusiasts and the local wellness community. Each Hometown Store features an enlarged, custom-branded retail space within an existing …